Wall sillcock

ABSTRACT

A sillcock with one or more side inlets, which allow the sillcock to be mounted directly to a wall or other structure without additional fittings such as an elbow or tee. The sillcock may include an integral stop to allow the sillcock to be shut off and serviced without shutting off the entire system. Multiple inlets allow the sillcock to be used in a system of sillcocks coupled or ganged together in a water system.

FIELD

The present invention generally relates to wall sillcocks and, moreparticularly, to an exposed pipe wall sillcock with one or more sideinlets for installation without miscellaneous mounting hardware andfittings, and which may include an integral stop, which allows the valveto be shut off and serviced without shutting off the water to the entiresystem.

BACKGROUND

Hose bibbs or sillcocks are generally known in the art. A typicalinstallation includes outdoor connections in mild climates or any indoorinstallation for residential, commercial, institutional and industrialapplications. In outdoor installations, such as a parking garage, thesesillcocks are positioned along the walls at desired locations with thewater pipes exposed. The sillcocks may be connected together from acommon water supply. Sillcocks of the kind used in these applicationsare typically provided with a spout having standard hose-couplingthreads to receive commercially available hose couplings. Because priorart sillcocks have the water connection inlet in the back, plumbers haveto use an elbow or tee fitting to connect the sillcock to the waterpipes which run against the wall. This leaves the sillcock extending outinto space away from the wall, which not only is visually objectionable,it is a hazard to people, vehicles, and the sillcocks as they areunsupported. Because it is not inherently secure, plumbers have tovariously construct ways to mount these sillcocks. Often plumbers haveto cobble together some kind of mounting using Unistruts, clamps, andbrackets to secure the sillcock.

In a multi-sillcock water supply installation, such as a parking garage,if one of the sillcocks requires maintenance, water to the entire systemneeds to be turned off while maintenance is under way. By way ofexample, assume that a parking garage structure has five floors with thewater supply entering the structure on the first floor. Assume that eachof the floors has four sillcocks mounted to four opposite exterior wallsand are all ganged together. Further assume that one of the sillcocks onthe fifth floor is leaking and requires service. The plumber will firsthave to go to the first floor to turn off the water to the entirestructure. The plumber will then have to carry his/her tools to thefifth floor to service the sillcock. Once the repairs are completed onthe fifth floor sillcock, the plumber will then have to carry his/hertools to the first floor to turn the water back on. The plumber willthen have to carry his/her tools back to the fifth floor to check thefifth floor sillcock for leaks. Assuming that the sillcock was correctlyrepaired, the plumber may then have to purge air from the other 19sillcocks in the system. While the maintenance is in progress, the othersillcocks on other floors of the structure cannot be used until themaintenance is completed.

Prior art sillcocks, which include a single inlet and single outletrequire multiple fittings in order to gang multiple sillcocks togetherin a water system, increasing installation and maintenance costs.

Accordingly, there is a need for a sillcock that includes one or moreside inlets and may be isolated in a multi-sillcock common water sourceinstallation.

SUMMARY

The present invention includes a sillcock with one or more side inletswhich allows the sillcock to be mounted directly to a wall or otherstructure without additional fittings such as an elbow or tee. Multipleinlets allow the sillcock to be used in a system of sillcocks coupled organged together. Typical applications include outdoor connections inmild climates or any indoor installation for residential, commercial,institutional and industrial applications. The present invention mayinclude one or more side inlets to allow secure mounting to the wall.Multiple inlets allow for convenient coupling to other sillcocks in awater system. Additionally, the present invention may include anintegral stop, which allows the sillcock to be shut off and servicedwithout shutting off the entire system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of the sillcock of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the sillcock of FIG. 1 along line 2-2;

FIG. 3a is a side view of the sillcock of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3b an alternate embodiment of the sillcock of FIG. 3a without amounting flange;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the sillcock of FIG. 3 along line 4-4;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the sillcock of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is an exploded front view of the sillcock of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is an exploded side view of the sillcock of FIG. 3;

FIG. 8 is a simplified view of the sillcock of FIG. 2 showing the waterflow path;

FIG. 9 is a simplified view of the sillcock of FIG. 4 showing the waterflow path;

FIG. 10 is a side view of another embodiment of the sillcock of thepresent invention;

FIG. 11 is a sectional view of the sillcock of FIG. 10 along line 11-11;

FIG. 12 is a front view of another embodiment of the sillcock of thepresent invention;

FIG. 13 is a side view of the sillcock of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a front view of the sill cock of FIG. 12 with the inletsrotated 90 degrees;

FIG. 15 is a side view of the sillcock of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is an illustration of a multi-level installation of the sillcockof FIG. 1;

FIG. 17 is a front view of another embodiment of the sillcock of thepresent invention; and

FIG. 18 is a sectional view of the sillcock of FIG. 17 along line 18-18.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosedherein. However, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodimentsare merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in variousforms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosedherein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis forthe claims, and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled inthe art to variously understand and employ the present invention invirtually any appropriately detailed structure.

Referring to FIGS. 1-9, a sillcock of the present invention is generallyindicated by reference numeral 10. Sillcock 10 includes a body 12 withtwo inlets 14 and 16, an integral stop 18, and a valve shut-off 20 withan outlet 22. The inlets 14 and 16 may include internal pipe threads 24and 26, respectively, to receive one end of externally threaded waterpipes or a threaded plug (not shown). Although illustrated with pipethreads, inlets 14 and 16 may include any other type of joint such asstraight threads, solder or push-fit, for example. Additionally, in atwo-inlet configuration, the inlets 14 and 16 may be coaxial as shown inFIGS. 1-9, or they may be in a 90-degree configuration.

The integral stop 18 includes an elongated adjustable stem 28, a seatwasher 30 secured to the stem 28 by a bibb screw 32 and a retaining nut34. The elongated adjustable stem 28 includes external threads 29, andis received in the retaining nut 34 engaging internal threads 31, andsealed by O-ring 36. The retaining nut 34 has external threads 35 and isreceived in the valve body 12, engaging internal threads 37 and sealedby O-ring 38. Rotation of the adjustable stem 28 translates the stem 28longitudinally within the nut 34, which allows the seat washer 30 toopen or close the channel 40 from the inlets 14 and/or 16 to the valveshut-off 20. When the integral stop 18 is closed by rotating the stem 28clockwise, the seat washer 30 is seated against an internal surface 42of the valve body 12 blocking an aperture 44 and preventing water 45from entering the channel 40. When the integral stop 18 is opened byrotating the stem 28 counterclockwise, the seat washer 30 is moved awayfrom the internal surface 42, opening the aperture 44 and permittingwater 45 to enter the channel 40 to the valve shut-off 20. (See FIGS. 4,8 and 9).

Valve shut-off 20 may include a stem 46, a seat washer 48 secured to thestem 46 by a bibb screw 50, a stem packing 52 and washer 54, a valvestem cap 56 and an operator handle 58 secured to the end of the stem 46opposite the seat washer 48 by a handle screw 60. The valve stem cap 56includes internal threads 57, which engage external threads 59 of thevalve body 12 to secure the valve shut-off 20 to the valve body 12. Theoutlet 22 may include a check spider 62, a washer 64 and a threaded hosebibb 66 secured to the valve body 12. The operator handle 58 isrotatable to longitudinally translate the stem 46 within the valveshut-off 20 to open and close the valve shut-off 20. It should beunderstood that operation of the valve shut-off 20 is not limited to anoperator handle 58 as shown, and may include a loose key, lever, orother means to rotate the valve shut-off 20.

The valve body 12 includes a longitudinal axis 13 and a mounting plateor flange 68 for mounting the sillcock 10 to a wall or other structure.The mounting plate or flange 68 may present a planar surface generallyperpendicular to the longitudinal axis 13 of the valve body 12 formounting the sillcock 10 to a surface. It should be understood that thevalve body 12 may not include a mounting plate or flange, presenting aback surface of the valve body 12 as indicated by reference numeral 69.The inlets 14 and 16 each include a longitudinal axis 15, which may bedirected in any direction in a plane generally parallel to a mountingsurface of the mounting plate 68 of the sillcock 10, and spaced betweenthe mounting surface and the valve shut-off 20.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, another embodiment of a sillcock of thepresent invention is generally indicated by reference numeral 70. Thesillcock 70 includes the same parts as described above for sillcock 10with the base 72 having four inlets 74, 76, 78 and 80. The integral stop82 is located forward of the four inlets. A threaded plug 84 may beinserted into any inlet that is not being used for a particularinstallation. Sillcock 70 allows additional flexibility in routing waterpipes vertically and horizontally as desired, securely fastened to awall or other structure without having to cobble together mountingstruts and clamps. Additionally, sillcock 70 may be installed withoutelbow or tee fittings, saving time and money, and reducing maintenance.

Referring to FIGS. 12-15, another embodiment of a sillcock of thepresent invention is generally indicated by reference numeral 90.Sillcock 90 includes many of the same parts described above for sillcock10. Sillcock 90 includes a two-part body, base 92 and valve 94 rotatablyjoined together about a sealed joint 96. The base 92 includes inlets 14and 16, mounting plate 68, and integral stop 18. The base 92 may berotated in either direction relative to the valve 94 about the sealedjoint 96. A set screw 98 or other fastener may be employed to secure thevalve 94 and base 92 together at a desired position. Sillcock 90 allowsadditional flexibility in installation using a single sillcock. Forexample, a sillcock 90 of the present invention having one inlet may bemounted with the inlet directed upwardly, downwardly, to the left or tothe right. Similarly, a sillcock 90 with two coaxial inlets may bemounted with the inlets positioned vertically to connect to water lines100 and 102, or horizontally to connect to water lines 104 and 106.

Referring to FIG. 16, a structure 110 is illustrated with three floors.Three sillcocks 10A, 10B and 10C of the present invention areillustrated mounted to a wall 112. The three sillcocks 10A, 10B and 10Care connected to a common water line 114, which enters at the lowestlevel and proceeds upwardly along the wall 112 and through the floors116 and 118 connecting each of the sillcocks 10A, 10B and 10C. The waterline 114 is connected to both the bottom and top inlets of sillcocks 10Aand 10B and to the bottom inlet of sillcock 10C. A threaded plug 84 isinstalled in the top inlet of sillcock 10C. If any of the sillcocks 10A,10B or 10C require servicing, such as to replace the packing or awasher, it is only necessary to close the integral stop 18A, 18B or 18Cfor that individual sillcock with the other sillcocks remaining usableand in service. Further, when the repaired sillcock is to be placed backin service, it is only necessary to open the integral stop 18A, 18B or18C for that particular sillcock. Each sillcock 10A, 10B and 10C may beserviced independently without a service technician having to locate awater supply shutoff; turn off the water supply to the structure; carryhis/her tools to the sillcock to be serviced; service the sillcock;carry tools back to water supply shutoff; turn the water back on for thestructure; go back to the serviced sillcock to check for leaks; and thenbleed the system of trapped air.

Referring to FIGS. 17-18, a sillcock of the present invention isgenerally indicated by reference numeral 120. Sillcock 120 includes abody 12 with one inlet 14, and a valve shut-off 20 with an outlet 22.The inlet 14 may include internal pipe threads 24 to receive one end ofexternally threaded water pipe. Although illustrated with pipe threads,inlet 14 include any other type of joint such as straight threads,solder or push-fit, for example. While shown extending from the top ofthe sillcock 120, inlet 14 includes a longitudinal axis, which may bedirected in any direction in a plane generally parallel to a mountingsurface of the mounting plate 68 of the sillcock 120, spaced between themounting surface and the valve shut-off 20. The sillcock 120 may includetwo or more inlets as described hereinabove. The other features of thevalve shut-off 20 are as described in detail hereinabove.

In a typical installation, the sillcock of the present invention ismounted directly to a wall of a structure, fully supported and securedflush against the wall. No additional mounting fixtures, supports orbrackets are needed for the installation. Likewise, because the one ormore inlets are on the side of the sillcock of the present invention,the waterlines are coupled directly to the sillcock without use ofelbows or tees. The flexibility of the novel sillcock of the presentinvention permits installation without the need for additional parts,brackets or fixtures for each sillcock installation. The sillcock of thepresent invention eliminates the cost and inconvenience of installing asillcock with a rear-entry inlet. The flexibility of the sillcock of thepresent invention, whether having fixed inlets or rotatable inlets,simplifies installation and improves the security and safety of theoverall water system. Further, the ability to shutoff individualsillcocks reduces maintenance costs of the system, and increases theavailability of the system when a sillcock is being serviced.

It is to be understood that while certain now preferred forms of thisinvention have been illustrated and described, it is not limited theretoexcept insofar as such limitations are included in the following claims.Many different arrangements of the various components depicted, as wellas components not shown, are possible without departing from the scopeof the claims below. Embodiments of the invention have been describedwith the intent to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternativeembodiments will become apparent to readers of this disclosure after andbecause of reading it. Alternative means of implementing theaforementioned may be completed without departing from the scope of theclaims below. Certain features and subcombinations are of utility andmay be employed without reference to other features and subcombinationsand are contemplated within the scope of the claims.

1. A sillcock for use in an exposed water system comprising: a bodyhaving a first inlet, an integral stop operable between an open positionand a closed position, and a back surface; a valve shut-off having anopen position, a closed position, and an outlet, said valve shut-offcoupled to said body; and a channel connecting said first inlet and saidvalve shut-off; whereas said first inlet is spaced between said backsurface and said valve shut-off; whereas said first inlet is in fluidiccommunication with said outlet when said valve shut-off is in said openposition, and said integral stop is in said open position; whereas saidintegral stop isolates said valve shut-off from the water system when insaid closed position.
 2. The sillcock of claim 1, wherein said firstinlet includes a longitudinal axis generally parallel to a plane of saidback surface.
 3. The sillcock of claim 1, wherein said body includes alongitudinal axis generally perpendicular to said back surface. 4.(canceled)
 5. The sillcock of claim 1, wherein said back surfaceincludes a mounting flange.
 6. The sillcock of claim 1, furthercomprising a second inlet in fluidic communication with said firstinlet.
 7. The sillcock of claim 6, wherein said second inlet includes alongitudinal axis generally parallel to a plane of said back surface. 8.(canceled)
 9. The sillcock of claim 6, further comprising a third inletin fluidic communication with said first and second inlets.
 10. Thesillcock of claim 9, wherein said third inlet includes a longitudinalaxis generally parallel to a plane of said back surface.
 11. (canceled)12. The sillcock of claim 9, further comprising a fourth inlet influidic communication with said first, second and third inlets.
 13. Thesillcock of claim 10, wherein said fourth inlet includes a longitudinalaxis generally parallel to a plane of said back surface.
 14. (canceled)15. The sillcock of claim 1 wherein said valve shut-off is rotationallycoupled to said body.
 16. A sillcock for use with an exposed watersystem comprising: a planar mounting surface, a body having a firstinlet and an integral stop, said body coupled to said planar mountingsurface; a valve shut-off operable to move a valve between an open and aclosed position, and having an outlet, said valve shut-off coupled tosaid body; and a channel connecting said first inlet to said valveshut-off; said integral stop operable between an open position and aclosed position; wherein said integral stop blocks said channel when insaid closed position isolating said valve shut-off from the watersystem; wherein said first inlet is in fluidic communication with saidvalve shut-off when said integral stop is in said open position; whereinsaid first inlet is in fluidic communication with said outlet when saidintegral stop is in said open position and said valve shut-off is insaid open position.
 17. The sillcock of claim 16 wherein said firstinlet is disposed between said planar mounting surface and said valveshut-off.
 18. The sillcock of claim 17 wherein said body includes asecond inlet.
 19. The sillcock of claim 18, wherein said first inlet andsaid second inlet include coplanar longitudinal axes.
 20. The sillcockof claim 19, wherein said first inlet and said second inlet are orientedat a 90-degree angle.
 21. The sillcock of claim 19, wherein said firstinlet and said second inlet are oriented at a 180-degree angle.
 22. Thesillcock of claim 18, wherein said first inlet and said second inleteach include a longitudinal axis in a plane generally parallel to aplane of said planar mounting surface.
 23. The sillcock of claim 19,further comprising a third inlet in fluidic communication with saidfirst and second inlets.
 24. The sillcock of claim 23, wherein saidthird inlet includes a longitudinal axis coplanar with said longitudinalaxes of said first inlet and said second inlet.
 25. The sillcock ofclaim 24, further comprising a fourth inlet in fluidic communicationwith said first, second and third inlets.
 26. The sillcock of claim 25,wherein said fourth inlet includes a longitudinal axis coplanar withsaid longitudinal axes of said first inlet, said second inlet, and saidthird inlet.
 27. The sillcock of claim 16 wherein said valve shut-off isrotationally coupled to said body.
 28. A sillcock for use with anexposed water system comprising: a mount, a body having a first inletand an integral stop, said body coupled to said mount; a valve shut-offhaving a handle operable to move said valve shut-off between an open anda closed position, and an outlet, said valve shut-off coupled to saidbody; and a channel connecting said first inlet to said valve shut-off;said integral stop operable between an open position and a closedposition; wherein said integral stop prevents water from entering saidchannel when in said closed position isolating said valve shut-off fromthe water system; wherein said first inlet is in fluidic communicationwith said valve shut-off when said integral stop is in said openposition; wherein said first inlet is in fluidic communication with saidoutlet when said valve shut-off when said integral stop is in said openposition and said valve shut-off is in said open position; wherein saidfirst inlet includes a longitudinal axis generally parallel to a planeof said mount.
 29. The sillcock of claim 28 wherein said first inlet isspaced between said mount and said valve shut-off.
 30. The sillcock ofclaim 28 wherein said body includes a second inlet in fluidiccommunication with said first inlet.
 31. The sillcock of claim 30wherein said first inlet and said second inlet include coplanarlongitudinal axes.
 32. The sillcock of claim 31, wherein said firstinlet and said second inlet are oriented at a 90-degree angle.
 33. Thesillcock of claim 31, wherein said first inlet and said second inlet areoriented at a 180-degree angle.
 34. The sillcock of claim 31, furthercomprising a third inlet in fluidic communication with said first andsecond inlets.
 35. The sillcock of claim 34, wherein said third inletincludes a longitudinal axis coplanar with said longitudinal axes ofsaid first inlet and said second inlet.
 36. The sillcock of claim 35,further comprising a fourth inlet in fluidic communication with saidfirst, second and third inlets.
 37. The sillcock of claim 36, whereinsaid fourth inlet includes a longitudinal axis coplanar with saidlongitudinal axes of said first inlet, said second inlet, and said thirdinlet.
 38. The sillcock of claim 28 wherein said valve is rotationallycoupled to said body.